The National College Attainment Network's (NCAN) Advisory Task Force (ATF) is now accepting applications for 2026! These 25 dedicated NCAN members provide our organization with valuable feedback and insight over the course of the year. Members share effective
practices, successes, and challenges that members are experiencing locally and nationwide. In this group, we develop a strong sense of community and transparency in which we value every individual's lived experience and honor confidentiality.
NCAN trusts ATF members as experts in the postsecondary access and attainment field. Their feedback informs some of our programming and professional development priorities, they vet recommended resources for practitioners and even review our annual Awards
of Excellence nominations.
This group meets virtually every month for a one-year commitment beginning in January 2026, with an optional second year sign on. The ideal member will represent their organization and geographic location through their professional and personal lens.
They will be willing to share their observations, opinions, and subject-matter expertise openly.
Some of our wonderful second year veterans on ATF chose to share their experiences. Thanks Andrea, Richard, Kayla and Brian!
Interested NCAN members are invited to apply or share this with other members in your network. The deadline to apply is November 4, 2025 at 11:59PM ET.
Serving on the NCAN Advisory Task Force these last two years has been both an honor and a meaningful part of my professional journey. It has provided me a platform to share Arizona’s story while learning from the expertise of national leaders and practitioners,
which has directly informed and elevated the work I do every day. The experience has strengthened my partnerships, expanded my perspective, and deepened my commitment to advancing postsecondary access opportunities for all students.
The NCAN Task Force is a shining example of what happens when professionals across states unite with a shared commitment to student success. It’s a space where college access professionals from across the country come together—not
just to share best practices, but to truly support one another across state lines.
During challenging moments, like the new FAFSA rollout, the Task Force proved invaluable. Thanks to the real-time feedback and shared resources, our students, families, school counselors, and college access partners received timely, reliable news and
support. Even those of us working at the state systems level without direct student contact benefited from real-time feedback that allowed us to adjust and improve programs swiftly.
I’m deeply grateful for the friendships, learning, and professional development this experience has offered. I will never forget my wonderful two-year experience with the NCAN Task Force. A heartfelt thank you to the NCAN Task Force leadership—you were
consistently professional, organized, genuine, and responsive. You created space for honest dialogue, made room for growth, and made it fun! I always looked forward to the NCAN Task Force convenings.
I wholeheartedly encourage others to get involved. The Task Force is more than a network—it’s a community, and I’m proud to have been part of it.
Serving on NCAN’s Advisory Task Force has been a true community of practice for me over the past two years. It’s a space of both giving and receiving, where I can share insights from my own work in the field while also learning how colleagues across the
country are tackling similar challenges.
As a more seasoned postsecondary access and attainment professional, I don’t always find opportunities to connect with peers who are wrestling with the same questions I am. The ATF has filled that gap, offering a space for thought partnership, fresh perspectives,
and meaningful connections. It’s been an incredibly valuable part of my NCAN membership, and I encourage others to apply and experience the same.
Two years ago, a colleague pushed me to apply for the NCAN ATF. I’m typically a silent, behind the scenes employee. I never thought I would enjoy the ATF and grow as professionally as I have. Monthly meetings allowed me to learn from & share with
other college access professionals from all corners of the nation. I’ve made work & friendships with colleagues from New Hampshire to California. We shared the good work, the tough work, and all our dedication to the students. I have been able
to share takeaways from the ATF with my colleagues across Mississippi. Being active within the ATF has allowed me to present on national webinars and at NCAN Conference. The past two years have been an overwhelmingly memorable experience.
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Andrea Glenn
Kayla Ritter Rickels
Brian Thomas